Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 NLT
Are you working hard to live in peace with EVERYONE? This is a very tall order, especially during the holiday season. But this Scripture tells us why it's important, and I have six tips for how you can do it.
When you work hard to live at peace, others will see God working through you. As a peacemaker this holiday season, you may be the only "sighting" of Jesus that people see. This is why it's so important to intentionally share peace with everyone around you.
Here's good news for you: God doesn't expect you to work at this on your own. Simply stated, you cannot live a holy life outside of God's power. The Holy Spirit will set you apart in holiness, because Jesus covered your sins with his ultimate sacrifice. When you trust in God to work peace through you, the pressure comes off.
Here are six practical tips on how to work hard at living in peace with everyone this holiday season:
- Refrain from complaining from now through the end of the year. Intentionally cultivate gratitude instead of discontent. This practice will fill you up with peace to share with others.
- Complete a task for a person in your household without being asked, even if it is usually "their" job.
- Go beyond basic chit-chat at work. Ask how you can pray for your coworker, then pray for them right away.
- Choose to interact with a real cashier instead of the self-checkout. When you do this, smile and look them in the eyes. Say "Happy Thanksgiving" or "Merry Christmas" too.
- Forgive someone who you will see at a holiday gathering. Every day until the meeting, pray blessings over them and surrender the hurt over in prayer.
- If a conflict erupts with someone, respond rather than react. Pray an arrow prayer for help. Then count to 10, take deep breaths, or walk away rather than prolonging the fight. Ask yourself, "Will this matter in 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 month?" If not, let it go. If yes, gently respond only AFTER praying.
I hope these tips get you thinking about how you can work hard to live in peace this season. Remember, these simple actions can show Jesus to people and spread his peace. What other tips do you have to share? Please respond in the comments below.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for enabling me to live a holy life by your power.
It's an honor to share your peace with others.
Remind me to work hard to live in peace, because it matters to you.
It also matters to others in ways I can't see right now.
I trust that you will use my words and actions to spread your peace this season.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Amen.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings and God's peace to you,
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Reflection questions:
1. In which situations can you share peace with unbelievers this season?
2. When is it hardest for you to work for peace? How can prayer in the moment help you?
2. When is it hardest for you to work for peace? How can prayer in the moment help you?
Sarah, everyone of these suggestions are helpful at some point during the holidays. I also find it helps if I get sufficient sleep so as to avoid being grumpy and short with others. Thank you for this practical post and reminders. Much wisdom here!
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